KCRIVERRAT

Zebra mussels have taken over the Great Lakes, from what I have seen, most of the press has been about Lake Erie. Smallmouth are thriving in this situation it appears. I don't want this invasive species in our lakes and especially rivers. I really think it's just a matter of time before they get established here. Anybody have opinions on how it will effect the fish population? Also, what fish will it effect? And... will it effect the smallmouth bass in our part of the country? Wondering if it'll have an impact on crawdads, minnows, etc.?

Best bet for floating is probably from Tyler Bend down. It's not floatable this time of year in the Kyle's Landing area. I've never drove down into Kyle's, but my wife and I were down there a month ago and wade fished the Steele Creek area. Beautiful campground. Have fun! KC

dgames... sorry about misspelling your handle. You're right, it's fun to try everything up here in KC when it comes to BBQ. So many different styles, but, only when it comes to sauces. This ain't a dry rub town like Memphis. Texas is a joke. North Carolina can pull my pork! Gates and Bryants were here long before KC Masterpiece came on to the scene. We Kansas Citians quickly learned what a true "Masterpiece" we had. Good fishing my friend... KC

Hey Fisher, never fished with perch for largemouth. Just a story about an incident concerning your question. In-laws lived on the Rock. Was on the pontoon watching my sister-in-law reel up a longear she had caught on a worm. I guess in about 5 to 6 feet of water before she brought the thing up, a big LM (6 or 7#'s maybe), shot up out of nowhere and engulfed the thing. What a sight! It got the longear, but we didn't get it... guess that fish is even bigger now! KC

Ness covered most of the BBQ joints. If you really want Bryant's, don't use the original sauce like djames said. Use their sweet sauce. That's what KC is famous for. Original is like he said... gritty and vinegar based. LC's off of I-435 and Eastwood Trafficway is awesome. If you're north of the river, Smokehouse BBQ on N. Oak Traffickway has awesome ribs. Now here is where I don't agree with djames, KC Masterpiece makes the best sauce... EVER! KC BBQ is about the sauce, not the meat. The meat's easy... unless you're from Texas! You'll eat well at any of these joints. They've all got websites probably... KC

See Chief... told you about this thread. Wished we had a river and creek forum to be honest. For us SMALL TIMERS!

The day will not be forgotten by me either Chief. Thanks for everything. My little buddy Weston will not forget it. You and Buzz work great together... and I thank Buzz for helping Weston beings we shared his canoe. What a day! KC

Hope the drag's set tight enough for him on that one.

Bet you saw a lot of beautiful country fisher. Did you go by yourself?

Welcome Bwinkert... from a fellow KC guy! I'll check out your site and in the mean time... good fishing!

Great fish Gary.... now, about that ball cap! KC

Thanks Phil! I believe I know what you're doing. I've already dismissed Cold Water's nonsense... KC

I would never follow a guide, and if I ever happened to hire one... I sure as heck wouldn't be fishing his or hers spots the next day either.

This is the Bill Babler we all should (and do) appreciate!

Happy B-day Zach! And thanks for your help on the Kings... hope you ain't as old as me! KC

19 incher is one hell of a fish! Got any pics? RS Breth... Ozark Hideaways is a heck of a read. I've had that book for a long time. KC

Guys, my in-laws retired and moved to Shell Knob in '92. Man, it was quiet back then. Always bragged to the people up here in KC about that area. Since then, the only real developments I've seen built is the stuff around the Bank of America. In-laws lived down Lake Road 39-30. Catholic church road or Hardman Hollow/Rod'n'Reel. We loved it for years, but through the years, we saw the increase of boats every summer and knew the area had been "DISCOVERED". Can't hardly find a place to park at the Country Mart there on 39 on a saturday. They moved to Cassville this year, my dear father-in-law is 77 and can't take care of three docks anymore. The high water last year did him in. Looking forward to taking my boat down there (I might just leave it) and fishing the Eagle Rock area. Still somewhat quiet there. Plus they're closer to Roaring River! My boat is just a '83 Bass Tracker with a 50 horse Merc. I quit bringing that thing down there years ago! Bill, rps, Capt. Joe, Whack'em, and all the other guys who post your reports on here... thanks for doing what you do! KC

Gage reading at Alley Spring has dropped to 2.91 feet. It was around 9 feet high a few days back. You'll have a great float. Lot's of just ruddering from the back as the Jacks scoots along at a nice pace. Just remember, the inexperienced up front need to pry stroke if any help is needed. Don't barrel through to miss any obstacles ( big rocks, root wads, or trees downed). Great swimming holes you all will enjoy. Great fishing too, BUT, only if you're not surrounded by lots of people, my guess is you will be, beings your going on a weekend. The smallmouth will be holding really tight to cover with the canoe traffic. Get your baits right into it and you should catch some, and be stealthy. I love the float from Eminence to Two Rivers (takeout on the Current). Better fishing in my opinion, especially the last three miles from Shawnee Creek to the Current. Just a little tip... if you've got kids with ya and they wanna fish, take along some nightcrawlers and use some #4 or #6 baitholder hooks. Lots of Longear Sunfish (Punkinseeds). That'll keep'em happy. Just after you put in above Alley, you'll make a left turn as the river bends. Alley Spring dumps in just after that. Stop and feel the difference in temperature of the water.... Also, don't know if you're camping or what, but before you leave the area, make sure you visit the Alley Spring Mill just off Hwy. 106 west of the river bridge and campground. Beautiful and informative. The spring pool is gorgeous. Have a great time bud! KC

Thanks Dano... where'd the heck I get Resnick? Hockey player maybe. And I can relate to the old eyes. We should hook up for a Buffalo trip sometime Dano. My wife loves that river. I've fished with a couple of guys on the forum who've I've learned a lot from already. Your wife fish? KC

Techo... just saved your website. Gonna surprise my wife with an order! Thanks... KC

I think it was Jeremy Resnick who posted a video on the forum about catching trout while fly-fishing and feeding line downstream. I'm sure a lot of you guys who fly-fish have done that. I don't fly fish, probably should give it a shot, but I sure enjoyed that video. Just wanna say I've caught many a nice smallmouth in the rivers using the same technique with a spincaster. That's what I love about this forum, the learning part of it. Plus the great group of people!

I always enjoyed In-Fisherman. The Lindners were instructional along with providing info on fishing three species per episode. I'm sitting here and can't think of the name of his show now... Angling Edge or something? Show content is much the same as before though.

Very sorry to hear about that FS... mother nature is nothing to be reckoned with. KC

GD... You're nuts! Heck, Turned 50 today... would've asked my wife for the cyanide pill. Floated the Kings and Buffalo last week bud, check out my pics. Good luck with that shoulder big guy!

let's finish out the local list... and I'm sure I can't do that! (Just for fun). Flatheads, Spots, Bluegills, Green Sunfish, Longears, Buffalo, Drum, Saugeye, Muskie, Creek Chubs, and the various suckers I see in the rivers and creeks. Redhorse? Maybe? and what else on those? The one's with the 45 degree angle on their heads... striped? Grass Pickerel... chime in!